Stefan de Vrij to Manchester United? Louis van Gaal interested in bringing Feyenoord defender with him to United - reports

Netherlands defender could be available for around £8m as Van Gaal looks to strengthen the United defence

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United could continue their summer of rebuilding with a move for Netherlands defender Stefan de Vrij.

De Vrij is currently a first-choice selection in Louis van Gaal’s Dutch squad that will compete in the World Cup second round later today against Mexico, and it is believed that the new United manager, who will assume his new responsibilities at Old Trafford following the World Cup, will look to bring the defender with him.

The Daily Mail is reporting that De Vrij would cost around £8m should Feyenoord be persuaded into parting company with the centre-back, and the report goes on to claim that Van Gaal also has interest in Feyenoord right-back Daryl Janmaat, with only Rafael of the current United squad recognised as a natural right-sided defender.

De Vrij did appear to be closing on a move to Lazio ahead of the World Cup after touring their training ground, but it is believed that move has now fallen through with other clubs in Europe prepared to come in for the 22-year-old.

United have already completed the signing of midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao and England international Luke Shaw in a record deal for a teenager, thought to be in excess of £30m after he left Southampton on Friday.

Despite Shaw’s arrival, Van Gaal is said to be keen on keeping Patrice Evra after he signed a new one-year contract extension to stay at United until next summer. Despite reported interest from Italian champions Juventus, Evra is unlikely to leave the Red Devils given that Alexander Buttner was sold to Dinamo Moscow for £4.5m this week.